Wendy Kim /// Split Similarities /// Season4:E0107

Wendy Kim is a #1 International Best-Selling Author of the book, Beyond Blending In: An Immigrant Daughter's Guide to Overcoming Cultural Bonds For A Life of Authenticity and Abundance.

 

Wendy loves to read and is the mother of 2 amazing kids who she loves to surf with!

 

She is also a Professional Public Speaker and Empowerment Coach. Wendy is committed to empowering women of color to find their voice, stand up and step out to make a difference in the world. Wendy is also committed to diversity & inclusion in the workplace and in leadership.

 

What if you weren't meant to blend in? Wendy spent her whole life trying to blend in. Being bi-racial and living in a predominantly white community, she tried hard to be "white" and to blend in even though that wasn't possible. Later on, she moved to a primarily "Asian" community and didn't  fit in there either. This pattern continued into college and the corporate world until she finally broke through to live her best life. It is Wendy's deepest desire that you will find the inspiration and tools to go beyond and live the most authentic and abundant version of yourself.

 

"You don't have to try and be more Asian, or try and be more White, or try and be more Black. You are who you are and you're really blessed you can have the best of both worlds." - Wendy Kim
 

Topics we discuss:

• What it meant to her to be "White"
  • Mixed Race as Korean and German
  • Rejecting Korean Heritage
  • Origin of "Whiteness"
  • Her Reckoning with her identity through her coaching
  • The guilt and shame of this journey
• The behavioral expectations of women of color
  • What the behavior looks like
  • The psychological burden
  • Privilege
• Coming to accept and embrace her Korean culture
  • Using food to connect
• Cultural racism within racial groups
  • Minority privilege
• Growing up in Pittsburgh
  • Raised by Single Dad until 11
  • Dad was German side of heritage
  • Her parent's split and choosing how to raise her
• Where she is today on her identity
  • Being a bridge
  • Teaching her kids
• Consulting women of color to get pursue what they want
  • Asking for a promotion

References:

• Wendy's Book - Beyond Blending In
• Recipe for Kimchi
• Mandu (Korean Dumplings)
• Author Min Jin Lee - Pachinko
• Nav the Poet - More In Common Episode
• Alhambra in Spain
• AKA
• Beyond Blending In - The Podcast

 

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

 

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Iberian Shuffle" by Megan Nadin